Strychnine: Old Remedy, Silent Killer

Abstract

Toxin ingestion is a significant public health issue for children, accounting for hundreds of visits per day to emergency departments. The most common substances are household cleaning products, personal care products, and medications. This article describes an ingestion of a rare substance called strychnine, which is a plant-based odorless powder that was previously used as a nonspecific stimulant. This toxicity can mimic other ingestions, thus delaying diagnosis, so an increased awareness of the common symptoms and laboratory findings may lead to a more targeted management of strychnine poisoning. [Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(5):e205-e207.].